Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

Has the Tánaiste taken the time to inform herself of the details in the major report published on Monday of last week? It states that almost one in four of our population, or 23%, either live with or are at risk of poverty. It also states that nearly one in ten are living in consistent poverty. Does the Tánaiste agree that this report is a damning indictment of Irish society and of successive Governments in that we have such a persistent level of poverty and inequality? Can the Tánaiste explain to us, after all the years of the so-called Celtic tiger, why children constitute the greater number of people so described? The report shows that 15% of children are living in consistent poverty. Does the Tánaiste agree that the publication of this report is more of a damning indictment of the failure of successive Governments than even the jailing of Ray Burke? How does the Cabinet propose to respond to this report? The Tánaiste's colleague, the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, referred to a new second tier welfare payment for children. Can the Tánaiste tell us when that payment will come into effect? Why has the Government failed to reach its target of €149 per month in child benefit by this year? Legislation that has yet to be introduced will see a shortfall of €7.40 for the basic child benefit payment to first and second children.

The Community Workers Co-operative works with community groups in marginalised areas throughout the country. The Minister of State at——

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